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Here at Outdoor Adventure Center we seek to provide fun adventurous experiences that will become lasting memories in peoples lives. Our blog is our way of sharing fun upcoming adventures as well as ones that have already happened. Also, as an organization that values community you will find news and relevant information about our interactions with our surrounding community.

Reserve your 2018 family and group Rafting and Kayaking adventures today! Planning a family trip, bachelor party, company outing or reunion for this spring or summer? Outdoor Adventures specializes in custom adventure trips; whether you’re looking to paddle with us on the Skykomish River or on the coast in the beautiful San Juan Islands, we have options and are eager to plan the perfect trip with you! We can accommodate groups of any size – call today! 425-883-9039

Don’t Wait! Booking early ensures that you have access to our most popular dates and times. We also offer discounts for booking early and group discounts to help meet your budget.

Thanks for your interest in employment as a Whitewater Rafting Guide with Outdoor Adventure Center! We are accepting applications for employment, internships and trainees for the upcoming Spring, Summer and Fall.

For Experienced Guides

If you have already completed a Raft Guide Training program or a Kayak Instructor Certification program please fill out and submit an application for employment. Jobs & Internships at Outdoor AdventuresIn addition to your completed application, please send a river log and copies of your certifications to info@OutdoorAdventureCenter.com. Questions? Call 425-883-9039.

We are currently accepting applications for Raft Guides for the upcoming season. If you desire employment with Outdoor Adventures, please sign up right away to ensure your spot in our spring Raft Guide Training program. This course is designed for beginning whitewater rafting guides (no experience necessary) and experienced paddlers (rafting, kayaking, canoeing, etc) who have not yet completed a raft training program (including recreational and out-of-state boaters). We are in search of outstanding individuals with a strong work ethic and commitment to the outdoor industry who are looking for a thorough training to become outstanding guides. Outdoor Adventure’s guide training course is extensive and exceeds training requirements in Washington State. We are eager to invest in you if you can dedicate the time and energy required to develop your skills, and commit to 2 seasons with us. Our whitewater raft training program is not for everyone, but it may be the most rewarding and memorable summer job you will ever have!

Interested? Great! We can’t wait to hear from you! Please register for class so we can send you a detailed confirmation packet.

The initial week of training includes at least 50 hours of instruction, as well as basic rescue training and LOTS of on-river time. You will learn to;

Maneuver a raft downriver safely

Read water currents

Navigate currents, eddy lines and rapids

Avoid obstacles and hazards

Rig your boat

Use basic safety equipment

Instruct your paddlers

Interact professionally with guests

and lots, lots more!

Outdoor Adventures offers a reduced rate to our campground during training, and provides transportation from our facility to and from the river, high quality equipment, and an excellent team of instructors who are dedicated long-term OA staff members. Our training staff dedicate themselves to long days and miles of river time to provide you with a unique and effective learning experience. On-river training will be supplemented with classroom clinics covering topics such as river features, guest relations, equipment maintenance, liability and accident prevention, emergency protocols, conservation, basic rescue procedures and much more. Written and practical tests are yet another tool we utilize to inform us of your overall progress and competency.

While WA State requires successful completion of a 50-hour training program, it has been our experience that rafting guide trainees usually do not attain the professional skills or technical knowledge required in that short amount of river time. You can expect to accrue more than 100 river hours before we are comfortable certifying you to work above class II. For prospective guides who wish to be employed by Outdoor Adventures or work on rivers rated above class II, you can expect to complete additional training prior to employment. This includes… your initial training program, follow-up skill-building weekends, and supplementary training classes in Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Aid which are not included in your Raft Guide Training fees.

All prospective Outdoor Adventure guides need to remember that participation in the whitewater raft guide job training program does not necessarily guarantee employment. The hiring of trainees from the training class will be based on training performance and growth, ability to perform essential job skills, work ethic, and ability to work in a team setting. Due to the time and monetary investment we are both putting into training preference is given to those able to commit to 2 seasons with Outdoor Adventures. Upon completion of your 50+ hour initial training program, a conference will take place between you and your trainers. At this time we will discuss the strength of your guiding skills, growth and overall performance, as well as the possibility of obtaining a full time or part-time guiding position with Outdoor Adventures.

Our training is a physically and mentally demanding program which will require focus and commitment. You should plan on investing your full time and energy into this training program in order to be successful. Please be aware that your level of physical fitness may affect your success in training, so the more prepared you are the better off you will be.

Please note that while you are training for our white water rafting jobs, you are not considered to be an employee and are not eligible for workers compensation. Therefore, we strongly suggest you have your own health insurance so that you are covered for the duration of training. Since you will not be paid to train with us, all funds necessary for living expenses should also be secured in advance of training. In addition to the $495 training fee (and any subsequent programs such as first aid and swiftwater rescue), you should also be prepared to purchase some personal rafting gear in preparation for season. The cost of these materials can range from $300 to $400, depending on what you choose to buy. More information regarding costs and detailed equipment lists will be made available to you prior to/during training.

White water rafting jobs are paid by the trip and first year guides are paid $65 per trip. First year white water guides generally earn $2,300 or more in wages; an additional $1,000 in gratuities is common for first year guides who work the full season. Senior guides can make $9,000 or more per season in wages alone, not to mention gratuities.

Due to the conservative nature of our clientele, as well as the fact that we are a family-oriented business, we require that you observe the following rules: Drugs and underage drinking will not be tolerated. Alcohol is not to be consumed on company time or prior to your performing duties for the company. There is no smoking or chewing allowed on company property or while working an Outdoor Adventures trip. Staff housing/camping spaces may be available for a seasonal fee. If hired, all employees and guides must read and sign our Employee Handbook which outlines company policies and procedures.

Apply to become an Outdoor Adventures Whitewater Guide!

We begin reviewing applications in January. Raft Guide Trainees are selected after a review of their applications, resumes, references and phone or personal interviews.

It may still be early, but the sun will be out soon! NOW is the time to plan your weekend getaways and summer paddling adventure with friends and out-of-town guests before all the best dates are gone. The options for adventures near Seattle are endless, and if you’ve been exploring the Northwest for awhile you might have a few favorite destinations. But if your outings are feeling a bit repetitive, or you need some inspiration, check out our handy guide of fabulous adventure destinations below. Your friends will thank you.

Does all this beautiful spring sunshine have you thinking about your summer activities already? We hope so! Because this week you can take advantage of our great pre-season booking deals to schedule your summer kayaking tours, rafting adventures, a family adventure vacation, and even your teens’ summer camp at a significant discount! Whether you are scheduling an outing for 2 or 20, you will find an Outdoor Adventures trip, tour or vacation package that is just right.

Custom Adventures in WashingtonLooking for a custom day or private trip for your business, church, scout group, family, employees, school, or youth group? We are happy to set you up with a custom adventure that will meet your budget, schedule and activity level… just ask! 425-883-9039 or info@OutdoorAdventureCenter.com

9th Annual | Dec 13-14, 2014The 9th annual Deception Pass Dash will be held on Sunday, December 14th, 2014 with clinics and paddling events on Saturday, Dec 13th as well. Make plans to join us now – racers, volunteers and spectators all enjoy this PNW tradition! REGISTER!

Do you consider yourself an outdoors person? Would you and your family rather paddle through fresh, rushing water then stand in a long line at a hot amusement park? Does it take bracing mountain water, splashing across your bow, and your brow, to get your blood racing? Are you a Splash Family?

Welcome to the Outdoor Adventure Center. The Adventure Center has a variety of family-friendly and/or instructional adventures set up for August, including Lopez Island 3 Hour Sea Kayak Tour, Redmond to Redhook Kayak Tour and the Total Immersion Whitewater Adventure Camp.

Other adventures include Hardshell Kayak Camp, River Kayaking 1 Day Course, 5 Day Teachin’ Trip in the San Juan Island and the 5 Day Photography & Sea Kayaking Adventure Trip. Want to know more?

* Lopez Island 3 Hour Kayak Tour:

This tour is fun and perfect for most families. Kayaking through the crisp water off Lopez Island in Washington State, porpoises, Bald eagles and harbor seals may be encountered. This adventure is considered appropriate for beginners including ages 6+ with a parent. The cost is $79 per person.

* Redmond to Redhook Kayak Tour:

For those wishing to introduce children to the joys of kayaking, this tour, in Woodinville, WA, is perfect. During the 1.5 hour tour, with the pungent scent of blackberries in the air, you and your family will paddle up the Sammamish River to a mouthwatering dinner at the RedHook Brewery. This kayak tour is for all, including 6+ with parent. Cost has been reduced to $79 per person.

* Total Immersion Whitewater Adventure Camp:

If you have a water-loving teen, who likes adventure, this may be the camping experience for them. Based in beautiful Index, WA, this 4 day/3 night overnight camp is a teen favorite. At a private campground, near the banks of Trout Creek and the Skykomish River, teens, supervised by highly trained instructors, will camp, bike, hike, paddle and swim. For ages 13-16, this adventure has been reduced to $895.00 per person.

* Hardshell Kayak Camp:

Beginning kayakers, who are confident swimmers, will love this camp. Each paddler gets considerable 1:1 instruction from our friendly, fully certified instructors. Teens, five days later, will leave camp water worthy, with strong kayaking skills. For boys and girls 13-16. The cost is now only $895.00.

* River Kayaking 1-Day Course:

All you ever needed to know about kayaking, compressed into eight hours. On the Skykomish River, in Index, WA, kayakers will learn about paddlestrokes, safety gear, maneuvering through currents and much, much more. This course is designed for confident swimmers who wish to acquire basic river running skills. For ages 16+. Now only $150 per person.

* 5 Day Teachin’ Trip to San Juan Island:

For instructional adventures, this is one of the most popular. For those with basic kayaking skills, this adventure, exploring the San Juan Islands along the Pacific Northwest coast, is a top choice. ACA guides provide instruction in kayak packing, setting up camp, camp cooking and reading a marine chart, among many skills taught. Other activities include exploring, kayaking, photography, hiking, socializing, beach combing and more. For ages 16+. $1,099.00 per person.

* 5 Day Photography & Sea Kayaking Adventure Trip:

Combines 3 days paddling and exploring the San Juan Islands with a 2-day photography/digital editing workshop. Your kayak guides will provide leadership in exploring the islands, setting up camp and meal preparation. Your photography instructor, Teresa Meier, is an editorial photographer based in Oregon. In a beautiful environment with wildflowers, driftwood and curious crabs, you’ll learn all the ins and outs of nature and adventure photography. For ages 16+, this adventure takes place August 6-10. The cost is $1,400.00 per person.

Advance registrations are required for all kayak adventures. Call 425-833-9039 to book your next splash adventure.

For more information,visit outdooradventurecenter.com. Is your family packing yet?

School is out for the summer and it’s time to plan for some sunny day adventures with the kids! What could be better than a fun and educational paddling adventure in nearby Woodinville? Last weekend my son and I had the pleasure of joining a group of beginning paddlers for Outdoor Adventure’s Redhook Kayaking Tour on the Sammamish River – a 2 hour kayaking trip that was full of surprises! Outdoor Adventures offers family-friendly kayak trips in stable double and triple kayaks, so your younger children can participate without too much pressure to perform as a paddler, making this a stress-free adventure for everyone. Our guides Thomas and Erin provided some basic instruction and helped us to get settled in the kayaks, then we were off for a fantastic 90-minute paddle (including several on-water stops to take photos!). The trip begins at the Redhook Brewery and takes place on the Sammamish River, alongside the popular Sammamish River Trail. Throughout our adventure we could hear (and sometimes see) the joggers and bicyclists enjoying the trail or a ballgame at the nearby Northsore Athletic Fields. Though the river does have some moving current, it is minimal and so our paddle towards Redmond was relaxing and very enjoyable. Along the way we encountered several families of ducks and geese who were out for an afternoon swim in the sun. Other wildlife that made an appearance after we reached the halfway point and turned our kayaks around for the return trip included a river otter, 2 bald eagles and a blue heron. Our kayaking experience was fantastic – everyone had a wonderful time and we have some great pictures too! Highly recommended for your next family outing and totally doable with younger and older family members (minimum age is 6+). Just be sure to plan ahead and schedule 1 week or more in advance – this is a popular trip especially on weekends!

The awards are based on more than 43,000 votes. The voters were rafting experts from the Northwest Washington area.

The fans have spoken. Voter Jared C. stated ”… over all, I give them 9.99 out of 10, because there’s no such thing as a Perfect company, but this one’s as close as it gets.”

Voter Andrew F. was pretty excited: “Absolutely the most fun you could have on the water in Washington.”

Another voter, Michael A., agreed: “Had an excellent time in Index thanks to a great rafting company. Cheers to Outdoor Adventure Center!”

Voter Jason K. had a great time: “Best family based business and great food after the float. Drop in at the River House and enjoy the food on the lawn after your float.”

Outdoor Adventure Center is based in beautiful Index, Washington, near Seattle. It’s only one mile off Highway 2. O.A.C. is considered, by many, to be the best white water rafting company in the West!

Outdoor Adventure Center has some unique advantages over other Washington State rafting companies. O.A.C. is the only rafting company with river front property, and facilities, on the Skykomish River.

The Adventure Center offers rafting experiences for newcomers as well as seasoned rafters. For families with youngsters, there’s the Family Friendly float trip. For those with more experience, and seeking a thrill, the Adrenaline Pumping Class V White Water of Boulder Drop is available.

Home Base is the River House, a 100 year old restored building. Many rafting adventures include a delicious steak, or tasty vegan meal, access to an outdoor and indoor seating hot tub and a slide show of your unique rafting adventure. Rafters love to unwind, and relax, on our beautiful beachfront property.

A special for May, this deal applies to Wenatchee and North Fork Skykomish river trips only, and when May is over, so is this rare deal!

Wenatchee River Rafting and North Fork Skykomish Rafting are both Class III. Each is special, and unique, in their own way.

Wenatchee River Rafting, launching out of Cashmere Washington, is designed for paddlers from 11 years old to the over 80 set. It’s ideal for family, or friends, who have never had a whitewater rafting experience. We call it rafting on the “dry side.”

People like the Wenatchee River for these reasons: Open canyon scenery and pleasant pace; plenty of Eastern Washington Sunshine; largest whitewater rafting drop, and pool, in Washington State.

All Wenatchee River trips start, on weekends, at 10 a.m. All adventurers are encouraged to have a large meal, and drink plenty of water, before joining their guides. The paddling trip takes four hours.

For May, the cost is half our normal $79.00 per person. What a deal!

North Fork Skykomish Rafting, for confident swimmers, is a five mile aquatic roller coaster of whitewater rafting thrills. We launch out of beautiful Index, Washington, at the confluence of the North Fork of the Skykomish River and Trout Creek.

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We encourage you to bring towel, a polypropylene top or a long sleeved fleece, for warmth, and a swimsuit. The rafting trip takes 1/2 day.

The price is half off our normal $95.00 per person. This deal is for May only.

With warm temperatures on the way, and snow melting, Washington State will soon have fresh, rushing whitewater roaring down the rivers. Everything is new at the California Adventure Center. New guides, new tours and new fun. If you’ve been here before, isn’t it time you returned?

They say delayed gratification is a good thing. What are you waiting for? May, and half price whitewater rafting tours, are a dynamic duo! We know you work hard. Isn’t time you played hard?

This Mother’s Day, give mom something worth writing home about. Invite her on a paddling adventure that you’ll both enjoy and get a head start on your summer! We’ve got the perfect guided kayak and raft tours to earn you some extra laundry and dinner credits – not to mention getting a head start on photos for the Christmas cards. In fact, use our handy suggestions below to make a day or a weekend out of it – an experience the whole family will enjoy.

As an added incentive for you to do something great for mom this year we’re discounting our most popular trips so you won’t have to work overtime to pay for it. Save 40% online using code “MOMSDAY” before May 10th and call us with any questions. 425.883.9039

Not sure if your mom is up for the gift of adventure? Well, let’s face it – raising you has probably been her greatest adventure, so we’re sure she can handle it!

Looking for something unique or custom that will make mom smile? We can do that! Give us a call or email us your request so we can help you plan a great day for just the two of you, or for the whole family! 425.883.9039 | info@OutdoorAdventureCenter.com